distinguish between preferences — hiring people who make managers feel comfortable, and requirements — choosing team members who could change the landscape of its business. Overall, most companies still hire based on preference and, in turn, miss out on real business opportunities. “You want disparate ideas on the table,” says Watson. “You want to go through all the what-if scenarios — not to a paralytic point but it’s a healthy [process] … That’s where the innovation and creativity came from that fueled some of the greatest advancements in business. When you have different thoughts you’re going to make better decisions.”